InterviewFabio Carvalho on Anfield impact, team spirit and Elliott journey

The Reds return to L4 on Saturday afternoon to host AFC Bournemouth as they aim to record a first victory of the Premier League campaign.

Summer arrival Carvalho got a taste of the stadium’s atmosphere in the pre-season friendly with RC Strasbourg Alsace and then as a substitute in the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.

“When I first stepped into Anfield, I’ve never seen anything like it,” the No.28 told Liverpoolfc.com as he previewed the visit of the Cherries.

“I’m not just saying that because obviously I’m at Liverpool now. The crowd, the stadium, the fans… just thinking about it now, it’s just crazy.

“There’s nothing like the Liverpool fans because they just support you through thick and thin. It’s the 12th man, it’s literally the 12th man because they keep us going.

“Like the Palace game, where we went a man down, we had 10 men, they kept us going and we got the draw. And if there was a bit longer in the game we probably could have won the game.”

The Portugal U21 international – who moved with his family to London as a child – has made a swift transition to life at Liverpool since joining the ranks in July.

Carvalho is grateful for the welcome he has been given by his teammates as he embarks on a new stage of his career having helped Fulham win the Championship in 2021-22.

And the 19-year-old believes the squad can now harness that inherent spirit as they seek to put an end to their winless run in the top flight.

“Obviously I’ve been here a short period but even from day one you could see that,” he said.

“Maybe it’s a bit of a cliché thing to say we’re a family – everyone says that – but literally here that’s how it is. Everyone is just so close to each other and the way I’ve been embraced and welcomed into the team has been nothing short of amazing.

“I’m sure we’ll be able to show our togetherness on and off the pitch and that will result in better results.”

Carvalho was speaking alongside Harvey Elliott, with whom he has shared such a similar personal and professional journey.

Having become close friends while attending the same school as youngsters, the pair both developed their football talents in Fulham’s academy and went on to reach first-team level at Craven Cottage.

Elliott, of course, made the switch to Liverpool in 2019 and Carvalho was delighted by the chance for them to be reunited as part of his own Reds move.

What the duo now share is a determination to deliver for Jürgen Klopp’s side.

“It’s just amazing. We’ve grown up together, we’ve gone to school together, being together every day – school and then training, doing sessions,” added Carvalho.

“From then to being here now is just surreal, but we’re here to do a job. As much as we’re at a top club with top players, we’re here to help the team win games and win trophies. That’s the most important [thing].”